Pioneer Hotel (Tucson, Arizona)

The Pioneer Hotel, located in Tucson, Arizona, is a historic Art Deco hotel that opened on November 18, 1929. Designed by architects Arthur Brown, Jr. and Albert R. Walker, it was the city's first skyscraper and quickly became a landmark symbolizing Tucson's progress and modernity. The hotel boasted luxurious accommodations and hosted numerous celebrities and dignitaries throughout its early years.

Tragically, on December 20, 1970, a devastating fire broke out on the hotel's upper floors, resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries. The fire, caused by arson, remains one of the deadliest hotel fires in Arizona history. The tragedy led to significant changes in hotel fire safety regulations across the United States.

Following the fire, the Pioneer Hotel was extensively renovated and reopened in 1986 as the Pioneer Building. Today, it operates primarily as office space, though remnants of its original architectural grandeur can still be seen. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, acknowledging its historical significance to Tucson and the state of Arizona. The Pioneer Building continues to be a visible and recognizable part of Tucson's skyline, serving as a reminder of both its prosperous past and the tragic event that forever altered its history.